Oral Hygiene Products

Natural oral products such as coconut oil pulling and essential oils carry equivalent antimicrobial potency to synthetic antiseptics and are not recommended for routine use. Mechanical toothbrushing alone produces no measurable difference in oral hygiene outcomes compared to brushing with toothpaste. Fluoride toothpastes, SLS-based toothpastes, and antimicrobial mouthwashes are the primary daily aggressors to the oral microbiome. Mouthwashes containing alcohol, triclosan, or similar harsh ingredients are identified as potentially harmful to the gum environment and oral microbiome. Antiseptic mouthwash use is directly linked to reduced nitric oxide production and increased risk of cardiometabolic disease. The wrong toothpaste, mouthwash, or dental product may help create conditions where harmful bacteria grow. Higher doses of peroxide may be caustic or irritating to gum tissue. Mouth breathing, bruxism, galvanic currents from mixed metals, and heavy metals or BPA from dental fillings select against nitrate-reducing commensal species. The article recommends stopping harsh oral-care ingredients and choosing products that support the good oral microbiome.